I have always prided myself on being very organized. Keeping my house in order, both literally and metaphorically. But as life gets busier and my list of commitments gets longer, it’s the self care that is usually the first to fall by the wayside.
This year I made a pledge to myself to make time to focus on strength. Being stronger physically, but also mentally when evaluating what serves me best. But as the year reached the halfway point, I felt my commitment was also waning.
“I’m too busy” was too often slipping from my lips.
Just when summer was starting and the pull of the sunshine was calling me outdoors, I realized my schedule was about to be busier than ever.
Running and independent optical shop I have to be present. Sometimes in life there is just a perfect storm of less staff, more commitments, to do’s and due dates.
I was feeling underwater, It was definitely a time were it was appropriate to say “I’m too busy”, my work schedule was ruling my world.
It forced me to think, How can I gain control and stop feeling powerless?
Surprisingly enough that control came from adding something else to my to do list. ME.
First before anything else. I can’t be my best self unless I am taking care of myself. Funny that it seems so simple, but the impact, however cliche this sounds, was life changing.
With the encouragement of a good friend I decided to join her at Barre fitness. Every morning, before I gave my time or energy to anyone or anything else, I gave it to myself.
It proved to be exactly what I needed to find my balance.
Balance with a side of butt kicking!
Barre is hard. Your muscles (some I didn’t know existed) are screaming and shaking. While I pushed to have my body get stronger, the affirmation from the Instructors would strengthen me mentally, something I wasn’t expecting.
“You have given yourself this time, because you are worth it” simple words I never believed from myself. It became so much more than a workout class, strength in sweat with a group of ladies all working as hard as I was.
This week marks my 9th of being a Barre believer! 5 days a week starting my day by focusing on myself and discovering that it really is the least selfish thing to do!
